Google unveiled its newest TV streaming device, the Chromecast, at a press event early last week. Since that time, the small "dongle" device has been getting a lot of attention as the low-cost device seems like a viable option for those who want to stream video to their TV sets without worrying about tying up one of their mobile devices.
The Chromecast pugs directly into the user's HDMI port on their television and allows content to be streamed from the cloud onto the TV. Unlike a lot of similar devices on the market, the Chormecast doesn't tie up a mobile device. In other words, it allows multitasking so while you may be streaming a movie on your Netflix to Chromecast via your iPad, you can still browse the web and do other things. According to AppScout, it can accomplish this because the apps themselves don't steam directly. Instead the app tells Chormecast what to stream, then it reaches out to the cloud and pulls down the stream itself. This allows you to multi task or even turn off your mobile device and have your TV continue to display the streamed content.
Recently Android released a new app for Chromecast that allowed users to set up their device much easier. iOS users need to access a web browser in order to get their device working for the first time.
Although developers for both iOS and Android will have the option to stream apps by adding Chromecast support with Google SDK, currently only a few apps have this support built-in. Google's YouTube app on iOS and Android, for example, is compatible as well as Play Music, for Android. All users have to do is tap the Cast button at the top of the UI to send the video or audio directly to the TV. Third-Party apps like Netflix and Pandora work in this way as well.
The Chormecast is set at $35 but the apps are all free with the exception of subscriptions like Netflix. Devices ship to those who pre-ordered them early in August.
